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Qatar

Turkish envoy praises strong Qatar ties

Published: 17 Jul 2021 - 08:35 am | Last Updated: 28 Dec 2021 - 11:40 am
Dr. Mustafa Goksu, Ambassador of Turkey to Qatar

Dr. Mustafa Goksu, Ambassador of Turkey to Qatar

Fazeena Saleem | The Peninsula

Ambassador of Turkey to Qatar H E Dr. Mustafa Goksu has affirmed the growing development of Qatari-Turkish relations and said that two countries are strategic allies, in light of the great leap in their relations in various fields.   

The Ambassador affirmed that the Qatari-Turkish relations had been tested more than once in difficult situations, and their credibility had been proven. “Qatar is very important to us, because it has always stood with us in difficult times,” Goksu told The Peninsula. 

Goksu said that several scholarships have been offered for Turkish students by universities in Qatar and it has cemented the growing bilateral relations.  

“In my capacity as the ambassador, I try to put more value added to the growing relationship between Qatar and Turkey. For example, this year we got 30 scholarships from Qatar University and 10 scholarships from Lusail University for Turkish students,” said Goksu.

“We will bring more smart students from Turkey and we hope to increase the number every year.  We hope that after ten years, we will have hundreds of students coming from Turkey to Qatar. They are going   to be goodwill ambassadors between Qatar and Turkey in the future,” Goksu added. 

According to Goksu this will help to expand the Qatar–Turkey bilateral relations in every sector of life.  He also praised the level of bilateral relations in all fields, pointing that the high-level diplomatic visits between the two countries are important and necessary, as they maintain the momentum of bilateral cooperation.

“Qatar and Turkey are not only emotionally together but we have good cooperation in commerce and trade, investment, defence, education and several other fields. We have many projects. We are growing our relationship for the benefit of two countries and for the region as well,” said Goksu speaking on the sidelines of an event held at the Turkish embassy to mark the July 15 failed coup attempt.

Many of the goods and services traded between the two countries are strategic in nature and vital to the well-being of their economies and residents. 

For example, major Qatari imports from Turkey include iron and steel, electrical machines and equipment, construction services, tourism, tools and equipment, dairy and dairy products, vegetables and fruits. On the other hand, Turkish imports from Qatar include LNG and petroleum  products.

The Ambassador  said that Qatar was the very first country which showed its support to Turkish government during 2016 failed coup attempt. 

“At that time, Qatar was the first country called us and declared that they are going to be with us,” said Goksu.